We Cure Rehab is doing the falls prevention classes in various retirement homes in Oshawa,
Whitby and Courtice since May 2022. This program is funded by the ministry through Oshawa
Community Centers (OSCC). We have 6 PTAs conducting the falls prevention classes in various
Retirement home to prevent the Senior’s falls prevention and improve their Quality of Life.

According to the World Health Organization (“WHO”)

“A fall in an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level.”

Most common fractures due to falls

Hip fracture
Femur (thigh bone) fracture
Pelvic fracture

Spine compression fracture
Humerus (arm bone), forearm bone fracture
Leg and ankle bone fracture

Seniors' Falls in Canada

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians
20-30% seniors experiencing one or more falls each year
Falls cause 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations
Falls cause 95% of all hip fractures
Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home
Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death

Falls cause $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs
Over 1/3 of seniors are admitted to LTC following hospitalization for a fall
Injuries due to falls rose 43% between 2003 and 2008
Deaths due to falls rose 65% between 2003 and 2008
The good news is that falls are preventable and action can be taken by all
The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause

Risk Factors

Acute health conditions: UTIs, TIAs, constipation, delirium, and dehydration
Aging: Causes decreased strength, balance, and reaction time
Behaviours: confusion, agitation, wandering, impulsive may increase the risk of falls
Chronic diseases: OA/RA, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, MS, HT, CVD, COPDs, Dementia
Cognitive impairment: Presence of cognitive disorders, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, STML, delirium
Decreased strength and balance: Due to aging
History of falls: 3 or more falls in the last 3 months equates to an increased risk for falls
Footwear: Improper foot wear may leads to falls risk
Incontinence: 2/3 of seniors are incontinence due to the aging process
Medications: Sedatives, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antihypertensive medications, Diuretics, NSAIDs, Vasodilators; all of which can cause side effects including hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and delirium
Vision and hearing deficits: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular degeneration
Unsteady: Due to aging